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BGonline.org Forums
Tipping etiquette...
Posted By: ScottyK In Response To: Tipping etiquette... (Justin N.)
Date: Sunday, 11 December 2011, at 8:41 p.m.
We all have to commend the hard work by the TD’s and their staff. Running a successful tournament requires great skill, time and effort. In my three years of playing on the ABT I have yet to witness a TD pulling up in a Ferrari or flying to venues via private jet. The math is easy regarding gross revenue and I think it would be fair to state there is limited dollars netted after all expenses. Further I know some tournaments have been operated at a loss.
The key question is addressing the tipping to TD’s or staff at backgammon tournaments, not tipping in general. The word TIPS is derived from an acronym of “To Insure Proper Service”. We have general parameters set from societal norms on typically what services require tipping and the general amount. (Food Service, Bartender, Hair Salon, Caddie, Valet etc.) We also have specific situations where tipping is inappropriate. Typical country clubs will terminate membership for tipping to staff other than caddies and locker room shoe attendants. The reason for this is to prevent favoritism. If you walk the grounds at Augusta , “No Tipping Permitted” is painted on the outside walls of on course bathrooms.
As an individual well versed in tipping and tipping etiquette as well as knowing when it is inappropriate to tip, I would have erred on the side of caution thinking in a backgammon tour event that tipping the TD would be deemed inappropriate due to the fact one may be attempting to influence the TD/staff and jeopardize the independent and impartial status required. As a matter of fact in my brief tenure on tour I haven’t heard reference to the subject. Justin posted an excellent question to be asked and vetted.
I would very much like to tip the TD’s knowing now it is not deemed inappropriate. I would only tip the TD directly and allow him to allocate as he wishes. Tipping staff individually could be problematic and possibly usurp the authority of director. He is boss and has final word on all matters. No reason to allow cash tips to cause possible dissention.
I think individual that tip would be ones who have cashed. Never hurts when one has netted dollars after entry fees and Calcutta money at risk, to throw a few fish back in the pond. I know we have individuals who may disagree and feel the rake accommodates this. Thus my advocating tipping my anger these equity chasers feeling obligated to tip if others are doing it. I know we have had issues on entry fees and room rates causing issues at prior tourney. Unfortunately on tour we have many individuals who “Throw Nickels Around Like Manhole Covers” and they don’t see that throwing a few dollars the tournaments way is beneficial. A good example of this is supporting the tourney via Calcutta.
I’m personally very grateful to the TD and their staff and am glad to learn that throwing a few dollars their way to enjoy after tourney drinks on me is not deemed foul play.
I thank Justin for posing the subject and bringing awareness to the matter, which I think may be foreign to many. It was to me.
Always interested to hear counter arguments on this subject matter.
ScottyK
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